The 10 Best Updates in The Name of the Wind 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Books Lists Patrick Rothfuss
The 10 Best Updates in The Name of the Wind 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

It’s been 10 years since Kvothe, the notorious protagonist of The Name of the Wind, entered our lives. Patrick Rothfuss’ debut novel introduced us to Kvothe’s stunning world with the first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle series, and millions of readers have lost themselves in the pages since then.

Today marks the release of the 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, which features over 50 pages of new content (including absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Dan Dos Santos). After combing through the tome, here are our picks for the 10 best additions to the new book:

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10. Red-Edged Pages

The physical book itself is glorious. It’s a black hardback (with the word “VALARITAS” pressed into the front cover) sporting red-edged pages reminiscent of Kvothe’s striking hair.

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9. “My name is Kvothe” Endpapers

And you thought the outside of the book was beautiful. Open the front cover, and you’ll find that Kvothe has written in ink on the endpapers:

My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me.

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8. Appendix: Pronunciation Guide

The pronunciation guide opens with a lovely note from Rothfuss, explaining that readers shouldn’t feel the need to change the way they’ve been pronouncing names and places from the book. He writes, “This list is so…people can satisfy their curiosity…and maybe settle the occasional bar bet.” That said, we’d bet that nine out of 10 readers have been mispronouncing Abenthy’s name for a decade.

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7. Appendix: The Aturan Calendar

As if you needed more proof that Rothfuss is a master world-builder, the new edition boasts an appendix explaining the Aturan calendar. So for those of you who wondered how many months are in the year (eight) or how many span are in a month (four) or how many days are in a span (eleven), now you can find answers to your questions. Just don’t get us started on the “chaos” surrounding the Seven Days of High Mourning.

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6. Updated Map Illustrated by Nate Taylor

Just look at the tiny tinker in the compass rose!

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5. New Book Jacket

Illustrated by Sam Weber and designed by Paul Buckley, the 10th Anniversary book jacket is absolutely stunning. It also features a lovely quote from Lin-Manuel Miranda on the back:

“No one writes about economic reality within this genre like Pat Rothfuss. The real-world weight of the sometimes impossible distance between the things you want and need and what you have in your pocket.

No one writes about music like Pat Rothfuss. The way it sneaks into your soul, the way it feeds you like nothing else.

No one writes about stories like pat Rothfuss. How the right story at the right time can change the world, how the teller can shape a life.

No one writes like Pat Rothfuss. Full stop. Read this book.”

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4. Appendix: The Currencies of Temerant

Holy. Cow. Rothfuss goes into ridiculous—yet wonderful—detail about four currencies: Cealdish, Commonwealth, Vintish and Aturan. This is a goldmine (we’re not sorry) of information spanning 11 pages, including illustrations and a currency exchange receipt by Nate Taylor.

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3. Note from Editor Betsy Wollheim

In a letter titled “How I Came to Publish The Name of the Wind,” DAW Books President, Co-Publisher and Co-Editor in Chief Betsy Wollheim describes how she became Rothfuss’ editor. It’s a delightful behind-the-scenes look from one of the key players who brought The Name of the Wind into our lives (and who talked Rothfuss out of the cheesy title: Kvothe the Bloodless).

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2. New Author’s Note

Similar to the writing in his blog, Rothfuss’ author’s note offers an honest, meandering, entertaining peek into the writer’s mind. From 5th grade Rothfuss’ desire to join a D&D group to current Rothfuss’ charity work and love of beekeeping, the note’s topics offer snapshots of Rothfuss’ life—and reveal his journey as a published author. It’s classic Rothfuss, and that makes it wonderful.

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1. Interior Illustrations by Dan Dos Santos

If Dan Dos Santos’ gorgeous artwork doesn’t convince you to purchase the 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, nothing will. He contributed 20 interior illustrations to this edition, capturing iconic scenes throughout the text. Check out two of his illustrations below:

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The Name of the Wind 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is available now from DAW.

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